The Power of Prayer

In less than two weeks I will be traveling to Kenya.  Saying that still blows my mind.  I am so humbled by the fact that the Lord has chosen to send me to Kenya.  This is something I have dreamed of for years, but honestly never thought I would ever get the opportunity to do.  God sure proved that thought wrong.  Preparing for a trip like this requires a whole lot of prayer.  Through preparing for this trip, I have realized that my prayer life was not near the level of intimacy and connection with the Lord that it should be.  It has been amazing to see over these past few months how my prayer life has already increased tremendously.  Praying for individual team members by name and lifting up their struggles and prayers to the Lord has been such a great opportunity of growth in realizing the realness and accountability that comes with a Christ centered friendship.

Tonight, I was able to meet with a few people on my team and lift up the trip and everyone going on it in prayer.  Coming together as one in the presence of the Lord is such powerful and strengthening time.  It was so encouraging to be surrounded by people so on fire for the Lord and serving His kingdom as we lifted up various team members, people of Kenya and all aspects of traveling up to the Lord.  I look forward to many more nights like that once we get to Kenya.

It is very evident that the devil is already trying to tear our team down before we have even boarded the flight for Kenya, which is another reason we need to be so rooted in prayer.  It is scary to see the ways the devil is attempting to discourage us through anxious thoughts, doubts and circumstances we are facing.  The power in all of these troubles comes in knowing that through these weaknesses, the Lord is so strong.

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Knowing that the Lord's power is made perfect even in our weaknesses makes all the mess that the devil is trying to throw at us seem like nothing.  No matter how hard the devil tries to wear us down, the Lord will always be powerful and be so much stronger.  Being able to rest in that is the most satisfying feeling ever.

Be prepared.  You're up against far more than you can handle on your own.  Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet.  Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words.  Learn how to apply them.  You'll need them throughout your life.  God's Word is an indispensable weapon.  In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.  Pray hard and long. - Ephesians 6:13-17 (MSG)

This will be a fulfilling reminder when the trials and spiritual warfare set in once we set foot in Kenya.  Through prayer and having eyes set solely on the Lord, He will get the glory and praise in everything, no matter what the devil tries to throw our way.